Structure and Properties of Polymer Biocomposite Materials

Results of studying the structure and properties of biocomposite materials are summarized. The materials in question include an enzyme (laccase, peroxidase), an ion- or electron-conducting polymer (Nafion, polymethylpyrrole), and a carbon substrate (compact, disperse). It is shown that the orientation of a large number of enzyme molecules in an enzyme/Nafion composite material on the substrate surface favors direct bioelectrocatalysis. During co-immobilization of an enzyme and polymethylpyrrole, conditions are realized under which the polymer takes part in the electron transfer between the active center of the enzyme and the surface of the electroconducting substrate. A fresh approach to constructing a biocomposite material is developed. The material is based on an extremely finely divided carbon material (colloidal graphite), which ensures a high specific activity of laccase immobilized on it. The size of colloidal-graphite particles is commensurate with that of the laccase molecule, owing to which the enzyme macromolecule is surrounded by carbon particles. As a result, practically all adsorbed enzyme molecules are electrochemically active and participate in direct bioelectrocatalysis.